A relatively new trail not shown on most topo maps, the Mormon Mountain Trail starts at the Dairy Spring Campground and proceeds three miles up onto the summit plateau. The final portion follows forest road and some minor cross country.

Getting There

See the main page on directions to Dairy Springs. When turning into the campground, a fork to the left will lead to the trailhead. You can also walk to the TH from the campground very easily.

Route Description

From the trailhead, follow the Mormon Mountain Trail as it gains up a prominent southeasterly ridge. Navigation is very easy - the trail is well marked and easy to follow. The gradient is moderate and consistent, gaining about 1,300 feet in the three miles, dropping a bit to a meadow. The trail 'ends' here.

Stay left and walk an old road a few feet to another road on the left, and walk that about 200 feet to where it meets the main forest road. Turn right and proceed up this road toward some tall radio antennae. The road then dips near 'Mormon Mountain Tank'. On your left is a green building and behind that a brown building - follow the simple roads past these buildings and walk up the easy forested slope to the summit, marked by a yellow triangular sign. A register may be found in some rocks nearby in a cleft.

Walk a few more feet to an opening on a talus slope for some of the best views of the San Francisco Peaks anywhere in the state!

The hike is about 7 miles round trip with about 1,400 feet of gross gain. Allow 3-5 hours.

Essential Gear

Normal hiking clothes, water, coat, the usual. A GPS, map and compass would be useful if uncertain of a turn.